In 1980, Diamond Chain undertook an expansion of their manufacturing facilities in Indianapolis. The civil work (earth work) unearthed several graves and grave markers, indicating that the previous excavation and relocation work was haphazard or incomplete at best. Images courtesy of Jalaine Kane, Diamond Chain – October 1980. (Photo provided/ Leon E. Bates)

The city of Indianapolis is proposing $21.2 million to expand the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, and historians fear they are bulldozing a large piece of Black history.  

The city and partners, the Cultural Trail Inc. and Indiana Economic Development Corp., announced May 9 they will extend the Indianapolis Cultural Trail with an expansion near Lucas Oil Stadium and a contentious yet-to-be built bridge on Henry Street.  

Local historians are worried that a historic piece of Black history will be destroyed if construction of the bridge continues. Director of Indiana Landmarks Black Heritage Preservation Program Eunice Trotter said bulldozing the cemetery to build the bridge is “a blatant disregard for Black heritage and Black souls.” 

The Indiana Landmarks program supports statewide efforts to recognize documented and undocumented Black heritage by identifying places that should be listed in the National Register of Historic Places and believes that the “Colored Cemetery” at Greenlawn Cemetery is the largest burial site of African Americans in the state. As a result, the organization has identified the cemetery at Greenlawn as eligible to be on the National Register.  

In 1980, Diamond Chain undertook an expansion of their manufacturing facilities in Indianapolis. The civil work (earth work) unearthed several graves and grave markers, indicating that the previous excavation and relocation work was haphazard or incomplete at best. Images courtesy of Jalaine Kane, Diamond Chain – October 1980. (Photo provided/ Leon E. Bates)

Historians would like to see an archaeological dig of the area with interpretative signage, memorials and grave markers, she said.  

“The thought of posting an archaeologist to watch for signs of burials as the area is bulldozed is one of the most ridiculous propositions I have heard,” Trotter said. “If the City of Indianapolis allows this site to be desecrated in this manner, then the city will be complicit in the erasure of Black heritage.” 

A public meeting to discuss the Henry Street Bridge Project will be held tonight from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Biltwell Event Center, 950 S. White River Parkway W. Drive.  

IF YOU GO:

Who: City of Indianapolis

What: Public Meeting discussing Henry Street Bridge Project

When: May 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Biltwell Event Center, 950 S. White River Parkway W. Drive

Contact staff writer Jayden Kennett at 317-762-7847 or by email JaydenK@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @JournoJay. 

1 COMMENT

  1. Please don’t dig up the dead in any physical way to build something to walk on top of the decendents of black & brown people.

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